Market trends in optical networks — the service drivers and technology impact

This paper examines the impact that the rapid growth in IP and Ethernet based services is having on existing and future public network infrastructure build. In particular, it outlines how these changes are influencing the role of Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM), not only in terms of its potential for enabling the growth in raw fibre capacity but, also, how it is evolving to provide a vital element in the effective routing and provisioning of IP and Ethernet based data services. The paper goes on to explore how the technology and market drivers interact in the performance and cost sensitive WDM segment, and how this is driving advances in systems and component development.